I work with an American girl and yesterday she got free medical insurance in Spain. A lawyer told her that there is a law that anyone living in Spain is entitled to it. You need proof that you live here. She got a letter from ther landlady ,went to the local hospital and she got a card. I read a letter that came with it and it said she is entitled to free medical services while she lives in Spain. I thought it might be of some interest to some of you.

It's interesting, but are you certain it's really legal? I believe you posted some additional information in a thread below from pamantha, titled "hey americans". I would still be worried that if I had to use the system, and the authorities found that I was living/working in the country illegally, they would refuse coverage other than emergency care.

I always thought Americans could not get medical services here but she showed me the card and said she had no problems getting it, they gave it to her the same day. I dont know about having problems later on. If they give you the card I assume there's no problems. I think in any case better if you never have to use it but it might be good to have it in case you ever need a doctor. Spain if full of contradictions anyway. She is planning to go to the doctor next week so I can let you know if they ask her any questions.

I believe that since January of this year a law has been in effect requiring local governments to report people registering for public health services who are in Spain illegally. I have not heard of anyone having been reported and seem to recall that the Catalan government had indicated it would not comply with the law. I also recall that some groups were going to challenge the law, but do not know the status of any challenges.